Analysis of the Hemet REAL ESTATE MARKET Part 2 - SOLDS - 01/26/07 11:52 AM
Analysis of the Hemet REAL ESTATE MARKET Part 2 - SOLDSBy John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA REAL ESTATE
An in-depth look at the analysis of SOLD properties covering a 2 year period, broken down by month, comparing the numbers to the previous month as well as the same period a year earlier.  This is a close up accurate snapshot of what has really happened in the Hemet Real Estate market - it is not about feel good opinions - it is fact, followed by my personal analysis on a month to month report.
Earlier this week I posted an article where I analyzed … (1 comments)

Active Rain & Google - a September 2007 Follow-Up - Originally Poste January 2007 - 01/24/07 08:29 PM
Active Rain & Google - a Follow-Up & Some New Tips:  On January 11th, I wrote an article about the effect that ActiveRain has had on my search engine results, specifically with achieving a page one ranking on Google, in just 15 days.
I just wanted to offer a follow-up, two weeks later, as I had been warned that it might only be a temporary thing - one that could change overnight.  I was also warned on several occasions that the techniques I shared in my article were unethical and that Google would quickly catch on and banish me from the search … (10 comments)

Analysis of the Hemet REAL ESTATE MARKET Part 1 - New Listings - 01/24/07 05:17 PM
Analysis of the Hemet REAL ESTATE MARKET Part 1 - New ListingsBy John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA REAL ESTATE
I just wrote an article on the importance of studying the local real estate market and becoming familiar with the numbers that move the market.  This article is my analysis of the local Hemet California Real Estate market based on the information found in the Tempo MLS, used by the Hemet-San Jacinto Association of REALTORS (HSJAOR).
My data is all residential property reported to the TEMPO MLS.  I will analysis the data over the past two years. and I will be looking specifically at … (0 comments)

WHY DO A HEMET MARKET ANALYSIS? - 01/24/07 02:53 PM
WHY DO A HEMET MARKET ANALYSIS?By John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
As a REALTOR® my job has many facets.  It is not only about working with people and helping them achieve their version of the American Dream with home ownership.  Yes marketing, negotiating, and searching for the right home is all important aspects of what we do - some may even consider those tasks as to what makes this job fun.
There is a business side to REAL ESTATE.  In Hemet, CA perhaps the most ‘business' side of the REALTOR position is working with our contracts and getting an offer through … (0 comments)

Whose Business Is It Why a Seller is Selling? - 01/16/07 09:49 PM
Whose Business Is It Why a Seller is Selling?By John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
When a seller lists their home for sale in the MLS they are typically doing so with the assistance of a REALTOR who acts as their legal agent in the transaction.  They are expecting a buyer to materialize, who will also typically be represented by a Realtor who will be acting on behalf of the buyer as their agent.
The transaction does not happen in a vacuum.
The buyer and his agent will want to do their due diligence on the property which very often determines the … (8 comments)

6 Reasons You Need a Hemet REALTOR® - 01/15/07 12:14 AM
6 Reasons You Need a Hemet REALTOR®byJohn Occhi, Hemet CA REALTORhttp://www.johnocchi.com/
6 Reasons You Need a Hemet REALTOR®
A REALTOR® understand the complexities of a real estate transaction and knows how complicated it can become. When you sell a home in California, we have disclosures disclosing our disclosers- even buyers have disclosures they have to prepare and sign. The entire process not only includes disclosure forms, mortgage documents, inspection reports, deeds, insurance policies, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. The knowledge a Hemet REALTOR® brings to the table can guide you through the complexities and may help you avoid late closings and expensive mistakes.Buying … (0 comments)

Where Did You Get That Marketing Piece? - 01/14/07 11:08 PM
Where Did You Get That Marketing Piece?by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTORHemet, CA Real Estate As REALTORS we are exposed to so much marketing material. Some of it good and some of it is mediocre.  Some we keep and use - other files we just save on our computer, for a later date, perhaps.
When we gain access to this material, some agents just take it as it is and make it their own.  Perhaps they have the ‘rights' to do so and perhaps they don't - after all, who will ever really know, right?  Well, if you put it on … (2 comments)

Mortgage Fraud Can Have a Negative Ripple Effect - 01/14/07 01:01 PM
Mortgage Fraud Can Have a negative Ripple Effect by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR Hemet CA Real Estate
As you may know, I have this sort of "Law & Order" fascination with the topic of Mortgage Fraud, and have shared a couple of articles in the past that have gotten some great response from the on line real estate community.
Today, I received an email from a friend in Temecula - 30 miles south of where I am and the market I concentrated on until last July.  Apparently, one of the largest Mortgage Fraud cases ever uncovered is starting to unravel fight … (19 comments)

A "Localism Tip" and How to Leverage the Search Engines - 01/14/07 12:25 AM
A "Localism Tip" and How to Leverage the Search Enginesby John Occhi, Hemet CA RealtorHemet CA Real Estate
The weather in Southern California has been very cold the last few days and we have had some very light rains in Hemet.  Obviously though, other areas received much more, than what we have in Hemet CA.  You see, there is snow in the mountains that surround us and it looks beautiful.  The air is clean and brisk and the mountains are just gorgeous with the fresh fallen snow - at very low elevations.
I set out with my digital camera to capture … (34 comments)

NEW LAW ALERT & RANT: 60 Day Evictions - 01/13/07 02:23 PM
NEW LAW ALERT & RANT:  60 Day Evictionsby John Occhi, Hemet CA RealtorHemet CA Real EstateIn California as well as other states and the country as a whole, many new laws go into effect on New years Day.
2007 Is no different.  Some of the new laws are pretty bizarre and just way to left wing for me.  One example is one that directly reflects the Real Estate Investor business, which directly reflects the ability of Realtors, lenders and other professionals who make their living in any aspect of real estate.
My understanding of the new law (California Civil Code Section 1946.1) is … (4 comments)

Does ANYONE really Know What Makes Google Work? - 01/13/07 01:40 PM
Does ANYONE really Know What Makes Google Work?by John Occhi, Hemet CA RealtorHemet CA Real EstateI recently wrote a blog post about the great success I found with ActiveRain - achieving a first page ranking for my most coveted key phrase, "Hemet CA Real Estate".  That was the early morning hours of January 11th.
Yesterday afternoon, I sneaked a peek, hoping I might have climbed a notch - and guess what?
I was no where to be found.  I searched 10 pages of Google and I could not find by ActiveRain Blog listed anywhere in Google.  Talk about having the rug pulled out … (10 comments)

How Do You Deal With a Request for a Rate Reduction? - 01/13/07 04:17 AM
How Do You Deal With a Request for a Rate Reduction?by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®Hemet CA Real EstateOnce you have a listing and it has been on the market for a short time, yet there really hasn't been very much activity, you will probably approach your client to discuss a reduction in the asking price.
SIDEBAR:  My rule, which I discuss at the listing presentation, is that we will DISCUSS a price reduction after either 12 showings or 21 days, whichever occurs first.
So now you bring up the idea of reducing the price and the first thing the seller fires off … (4 comments)

Are You Worth Your Commission? - 01/13/07 03:47 AM
Are You Worth Your Commission?by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®Hemet CA Real EstateA professional REALTOR® is worth every dime of the commission paid them.  Unfortunately for some REALTORS® they believe they can cut their commission and still offer a full service to their clients. 
Maybe in the short term, but the truth is that they can not sustain at that level and compete with true full service RELTORS®
Yes, there are both national and local brokers who have built their entire business model on "discount' fee structure.  But what compromise is the seller really making.  And I suppose in some circumstances it … (10 comments)

My Rant - continued - Absentee Realtors and Listings - 01/12/07 03:37 PM
My Rant - continued - Absentee Realtors and Listingsby John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®Hemet CA Real EstateEarlier I wrote a Blog Post on my ActiveRain Hemet Real Estate Blog about a breed of REALTOR that I dubbed the "Absentee REALTOR®".  In that article, I covered a few of my own deficiencies as well as describing in broad terms, the geographic layout of my market, the Hemet CA Real Estate market and how it relates to other nearby markets.
In the article, I focused my rant primarily on the Absentee Realtor who will take a buyer from their market and try and give … (3 comments)

Another One of My Rants: Why a Local Realtor® - 01/12/07 12:35 PM
Another One of My Rants: Why a Local Realtor® By John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR® Hemet CA Real Estate
As a Hemet California Realtor I work with both buyers and sellers when it comes to buying and selling of a home in the Hemet Real Estate market.
I choose to not go outside of my market area of the "Hemet San Jacinto Valley", which covers the cities of both Hemet and San Jacinto as well as a large area of unincorporated Riverside County land known as both East Hemet and Valle Vista.
Now, I may not be the sharpest pencil in the box … (2 comments)

How ActiveRain Took me to Page 1 on Google in 15 Days or Less and you can too! - 01/11/07 11:26 AM
UPDATE:  CHECK OUT MY RECENT ARTICLE:  ACTIVE RAIN COMMENTS ARE INDEXED BY GOOGLE
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
How ActiveRain Took me to Page 1 on Google in 15 Days or Less and you can too!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Last night I got pretty excited.  Just as I was ready to shut down for the night, my last act was to check Google, I don't know why other than just because I had not checked it in the last few days. (Yes, I have been accused of being obsessive, but so what)
I was very pleasantly surprised when I found my most sought after … (75 comments)

Whooo Hooo - Page 1 GOOGLE RESULTS - You Can Too! - 01/11/07 02:15 AM
Whooo Hooo - Page 1 GOOGLE RESULTS - You Can Too!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Well, I was ready to call it a night and I thought I would do a quick check on Google to see where I am ranking on a couple of my favorite key phrases, such as ‘Hemet Real Estate', ‘Hemet Realtor' and the coveted Hemet CA Real Estate.
Now please realize, I just started my website in June of 2006 - a template site from Point 2 Agent.  I did some tweaking and some link exchanges.  I followed advise that sounded good - … (17 comments)

"Is Google Evil?" - 01/11/07 12:58 AM
"Is Google Evil?"by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Danny Sullivan has long been an icon when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as a former editor of SEARCH ENGINE WATCH and now running his own site/business at SEARCH ENGINE LAND.
Danny posted an article on January first about the different troubles that Google has encountered through the years.  Being the industry leader that he is, Danny has some great insight and access to many top internet leaders.
His article reads like a chronology of bumps in the road for Google.  Prior to February 2001, Google was pretty much a media darling … (2 comments)

Email Etiquette - Are You a Professional? - 01/11/07 12:29 AM
Email Etiquette - Are You a Professional?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Email is such an important aspect of both business and personal relationships in the year 2007.
That is so profound; I will risk saying it again, at the risk of losing interested readers...
Email is such an important aspect of both business and personal relationships in the year 2007.
So then why are so many emails butchered?  Why are the simplest of communications and the most important of communications confused by the sender?  Why can't those who want to do business, using email use it right?
I'm befuddled.  Let me share just … (1 comments)

OT - Optimized Text: What is it and How Do you get It? - 01/11/07 12:26 AM
OT - Optimized Text:  What is it and How Do you get It?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
I just read a great post in a newsletter on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on the "Search Engine Guide" newsletter.  The article is titled, "Guide for Writing Optimized Pages" by Stoney deGeyter.  It turns out that this is not just an article that Stoney wrote, but part of his company's internal operations/job manual.
I am no guru when it comes to SEO, but I have been reading this newsletter since about last June, when I got my template Point2 Agent website.  Reading this … (5 comments)

REALTOR® Magazine Wants YOU! - 01/10/07 11:34 AM
REALTOR® Magazine Wants YOU!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Reading my Real Estate Industry news, I came across a cry for help from REALTOR Magazine.
Apparently, they are working on a future article and they want to interview people just like you and me.
The article asks, "We're looking for people who use some of the new technologies that are gaining widespread use in the real estate industry: Smartphones, blogs, highly interactive Web sites, Blackberrys, and more."
Hmmm, let me think.... Is anyone in the Active Rain membership using a blog?  How about a Smartphone or a Blackberry  (I use the TREO 650 … (3 comments)

NAR Marketing Survey - 01/10/07 11:16 AM
NAR Marketing Surveyby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
I just received an eMail from the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR).  I'll bet you got the same one.
They wanted to let me know about the 2007 marketing campaign and the results of the 2006 message.  They are also following through with the campaign that they started in 2005, targeting the Hispanic market.
What I found disturbing is that 2/3's of the consumer  really get what value we, as professional REALTORS®, bring to the table.  I got the feeling that NAR is proud of these results - personally, I'm embarrassed 
Take a … (0 comments)

Industry Coverage of Localism - 01/10/07 10:53 AM
Industry Coverage of Localism by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real EstateI was reading my industry news this morning as is my habit over my first cup of coffee and I see that the official BLOG at Inman News has picked up on Localism
Apparently, Brad Inman - owner and founder of Inman News spoke about Localism at the Real Estate Connect event in New York City.  This event is currently taking place.
In any event, for those of us on Active Rain that do not subscribe to Inman News, I thought I would pass along this tid-bit. 
What this tells me is … (0 comments)

Real Estate Tax Secrets of the Rich - 01/10/07 01:32 AM
Real Estate Tax Secrets of the Richby John Occhi, Hemet, REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
I just read a revue about a book on taxes and Real Estate by syndicated real estate columnist, Robert Bruss
He writes about a book that has needed to be written for a long time, and here it is just in time for the 2007 tax season, with plenty of time to plan for the coming year.
As I have not read the book, I am not qualified to tell you what it say, however, I strongly recommend that you take the time and read his review..
Mr. Bruss ends his … (1 comments)

FOCUS...FOCUS...FOCUS - 01/10/07 01:03 AM
FOCUS...FOCUS...FOCUSby John Occhi, Hemet, REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
This post is for a friend of mine, who shall remain nameless.  He is a great young man, almost half my age (I'll be 53 in April) who has an awful lot of raw talent.
We started in Real Estate at the same time and formed an instant friendship on the day we met.  We worked on a number of our first transactions together.  We left one broker and joined another together. 
Our friendship is not only about real estate, it is about the love we share for one another - seeing each other through … (2 comments)

Who is Looking at What? - 01/09/07 11:56 PM
Who is Looking at What?by John Occhi, Hemet, REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Here is something that I found interesting - TRULIA the popular website to help buyers find homes for sale on the MLS has released its findings of what buyers are shopping for online.
The report covers the hottest cities as well as the hottest homes they are searching.
I don't want to spend a lot of time analyzing this, the 5 pages make for a quick read with lots of good looking graphics to help you find what you want to know about - so go check it out.
Now Have a Blessed … (0 comments)

Another Example of "Figures Don't Lie, Liars Figure" - 01/09/07 11:47 PM
Another Example of "Figures Don't Lie, Liars Figure"by John Occhi, Hemet, REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Earlier I wrote a blog article about the figures that are used in analyzing a market and explained a bit how they could be manipulated.  I used the figures I downloaded from my own local Hemet MLS and worked up an analysis of the Hemet Real Estate market for both the years 2005 and 2006.http://activerain.com/blogsview/31032/Figures-Don-t-Lie
Today, I would like to write about a practice that just came to my attention.  To me, it's an outrage and worthy of a good rant.
We all know how important the housing industry … (0 comments)

Willowalk - Perhaps Hemet's Premier Address - 01/09/07 11:19 PM
Willowalk - Perhaps Hemet's Premier Addressby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
This afternoon I had the opportunity to preview several homes in the new subdivision found at the south east corner of Sanderson and Stetson - right across the street from the Super Wal-Mart in Hemet, California.
I remember when they broke ground on this development - there was much expectation   DR Horton, the builder, had beautiful signs erected on the site, showcasing beautiful waterways and large magnificent homes behind a gated community.
I must admit, I never liked the concept from the very beginning - strictly for personal reasons.  The fact … (6 comments)

Why My Clients Never Ask me for a Discount! - 01/08/07 11:58 PM
Why My Clients Never Ask me for a Discount!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
Helping a Client make the right decision is an important task, one that I just discussed in my most recent blog post here on Active Rain.  If you have not yet read it, I suggest you do so now, before reading this post.
Once my clients had decided that the right price was set for the sale of their home in this market, that has an average of 110 days on market, they thought all the tough decisions were over.
I shared a little technique with them. 
Apparently, … (3 comments)

How Do YOU Convince a Client Their Hemet Home is Worth Less than What THEY Believe it is? - 01/08/07 11:40 PM
How Do YOU Convince a Client Their Hemet Home is Worth Less than What THEY Believe it is?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
We all know it isn't easy to convince a client that they have to price their home for less than what they think it is worth, in a declining real estate market.
I am working with a client with a home for sale near Hemet CA, that has owned their home for 10 years.  When they bought it, they paid $75,000 and at some point about a year and a half ago they thought it was worth a … (9 comments)

FHA Releases New Loan Limits for 2007 - 01/08/07 09:59 AM
FHA Releases New Loan Limits for 2007By John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA, Real Estate
I saw a great article this morning that was published by Inman News about the FHA loan market.  Jack Guttentag, the author explained why the program is so valuable in today's real estate market.
Jack compares the program and how it works today and compares it to 2000, when it dominated 15% of the real estate mortgage loans that consumers borrowed and how it fell to only about 5% of all real estate related homes in the year 2006.
An FHA Home Loan, which is administered by the US Department … (2 comments)

What to Keep From Your Closing - 01/07/07 10:55 PM
What to Keep From Your Closingby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
When you close escrow on your new home you will have a stack of documents from Escrow.  Many of them will appear like as excessive and to much legal mumbo jumbo to concern yourself with.
This does not mean to toss these document.  They are valuable and may have future consequences to you.  My advise, kepp it all.  As a bare minimum you want to make sure you have easy access to the following:
•§    The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, … (4 comments)

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk Through - 01/07/07 10:45 PM
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk Throughby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
 When you purchase Hemet CA Real Estate one of the very last things that will happen before you close escrow on your new home will be to schedule a final walk-through inspection.
Ideally, you will be able to do this once the home is vacant but before escrow actually closes.  Unfortunately, if the seller is to remain in possession for 1 to 3 days (or longer) after the close of escrow this cannot happen.
In the event you cannot inspect the home vacant prior to the close of … (1 comments)

Another Significant Success... - 01/07/07 10:01 AM
Another Significant Success...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet, CA Real Estate
I hate to gloat, but sometimes I just feel good when something really good happens to me.  I don't call it luck - I work much to hard to consider myself ‘lucky'.  who is it that sail "Luck" is when Opportunity meets Preperation?
I should start off by saying that 2006 was a horrible year for me on many levels, not the least of which is my 82 year old mother-in-law moved in with my wife and I.  What really made 2006 so bad was health related.
My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 … (3 comments)

Help Grow Localism Now, before you're too late... - 01/07/07 09:35 AM
Help Grow Localism Now, before you're too late...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet, CA Real Estate
I encourage everyone to get involved with the Localism site.  This will become an excellent place to showcase your contributions to your community while adding links to your website and points to your ActiveRain score - both of which are very important for search engine ranking.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, ActiveRain is doing extremely well with search engine optimization (SEO) and the impact is spilling over to the members who actively participate.  I know that my Point2 Agent site has gone to the first … (3 comments)

Just How does the Fed Feel? - 01/07/07 12:16 AM
Just How does the Fed Feel?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet, CA Real Estate
Last week the FED (Federal Reserve Board) released its minutes of its December 12th meeting where they decided not to raise or lower the interest rate.  Apparently, they are concerned with the national housing slump and the role it is having on the economy.
A potential rate cut for the next time they meet at the end of January was talked about, but the conversation was not included in the minutes, according to an unidentified FED member, the Washington Post reported.
The Hemet CA Real Estate market should respond well to … (0 comments)

Market Analysis: Johnston Ave, Hemet California - 01/06/07 11:12 PM
Market Analysis:  Johnston Ave, Hemet Californiaby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
If you read my earlier post of today, you'll know I was out with a client shopping for a home - looking for Hemet CA Real Estate.
I shared with you what I thought was one of the great values on the real estate market today, in Hemet California.  Now I want to share my thoughts on a listing belonging to an out of town agent, for about the same price as the Thornton Ave property.
I promised there is a rant stored up in me ready to come out about … (0 comments)

Market Analysis: Thornton Ave, Hemet California - 01/06/07 10:59 PM
Market Analysis:  Thornton Ave, Hemet Californiaby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
Today I went out with a buyer looking to find a home for her two daughters to live in. One has a 2 year old and the other is due with her first child in a few months and my client decided that there just was not enough room in her 1700 square foot, 3 bedroom home for everyone. Not only is she my client, but she has worked with a local mortgage broker, who will be helping her out with her loan for this property.
So I … (0 comments)

Government Releases a New CHARM - 01/06/07 12:23 PM
Government Releases a New CHARMby John Occhi, RealtorHemet CA Real Estate
I read this morning that the Federal Reserve Board has published a revision to their book, the Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (the CHARM booklet).
Last month, I published my own article  where I discussed some of the different loan options - I did this from the standpoint of a REALTOR looking to help my clients and not as someone looking to earn a commission on every aspect of the real estate transaction.  In Hemet CA, where I practice the art of Real Estate I leave the loans to the loan Hemet … (4 comments)

What Have I Learned as a Rookie Blogger... - 01/06/07 02:57 AM
What Have I Learned as a Rookie Blogger...by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR
I have been reading some of the Do's & Don't about Blogging and realize there are a few things I can do to improve my own blog and the articles that I write.
One thing I learned is if I want someone to be a steady reader of my blog and subscribe with an RSS Feed, then there is a 68% better chance if they read more than one of my posts at a single sitting. 
Well, heck, that makes sense tome, how about you?
So, how do we get someone … (9 comments)

Put Yourself on the Map - 01/06/07 02:32 AM
Put Yourself on the MapBy John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
I just came across an article on a Real Estate industry blog talking about a new site that was just built over the Christmas holiday period.
It appears that this group got together and decided to create a map and allow real estate companies to put themselves on "The Map"
I'm not sure how useful this will be down the road - it might be something really cool or it might just fizzle - but it is a link to both your website and your blog, so why not submit your site and see what … (1 comments)

And The Good News Keeps on Coming - 01/05/07 07:25 PM
And The Good News Keeps on Comingby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®I was just reading yet another industry newsletter in my email and came across yet another piece of good news today that was posted late today - one that directly affects the loan side of the business and the rates they get to charge, which means we get to sell more expensive homes for the same payment - oh yeah!Long-term mortgage interest rates were down again Thursday, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield dropped to 4.6 percent.
The 30-year fixed-rate average slid to 5.7 percent, and the 15-year fixed rate … (0 comments)

And Yet Another New Real Estate Blog Opportunity... - 01/05/07 07:05 PM
And Yet Another New Real Estate Blog Opportunity...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
There is a website that I have belonged to for some time and occasionally participate on their forum.  Perhaps many of you know of RealEstateWebmasters.Com. 
I have learned a lot there about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  I directly attribute much of my success to either what I have learned there or the directions I have been pointed to through this recourse.
When I say I have achieved success, what I mean is that I took a brand new Point2 free website in June 2006 and before Christmas I was on the … (9 comments)

More Good News - 2007 May be Pretty Good... - 01/05/07 02:39 PM
More Good News - 2007 May be Pretty Good...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
More good news was announced today by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).
As you know, NAR does a great job at tracking all sorts of statistics on the housing industry.  One of the numbers they are always monitoring is the "Pending" sales - those as we know that are ‘under contract' and not yet closed.  Typically these transactions take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to go through the cycle.
So the good news is the Pending Home Sales Index has not dropped as much as was anticipated.  You can … (1 comments)

What Does a New Congress Mean to Real Estate? - 01/05/07 02:11 PM
What Does a New Congress Mean to Real Estate?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
As I am sure you know, the new 110th Congress was sworn in to office yesterday with the Democrats taking control for the first time since before Bill Clinton left the White House.
Many of us on the ‘right' cringe when we think of some of the things that may happen in the next couple of years.
However, this morning, when I read an update from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) I was more than pleased to see one of the very first actions they have taken is to introduce … (2 comments)

Follow-Up - Where Have All the Realtors Gone? - 01/05/07 02:12 AM
Follow-Up on Yesterdays Postby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
Just yesterday I posted an Article here on Active Rain about my observation in the local Board of Realtors, as I observed a woman come in and turn in her ‘key' and credentials - giving up the life of a Realtor®.
Just after posting the article, I came across another Blog post that gave some background on the trend and offered an explanation - namely the pay or lack thereof.
In any event, I thought this would make for some interesting follow-up, so I thought I would post and make it available for you to enjoy.
Have … (3 comments)

Where Have All the REALTORS® Gone? - 01/04/07 11:50 PM
Where Have All the REALTORS® Gone?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
I stopped by my local Realtor Association off ice this morning, paid my monthly MLS dues and had to cut loose with over $300 for my 2007 National and California Association dues.
Personally, I enjoyed the experience.  It made me feel good to be a REALTOR.
While I was there, another agent came in - except she was turning in her credentials and lock box key.  We didn't talk, but she had despair written all over her face.  I actually felt sorry for her.
I did not know her - in fact I did not … (13 comments)

Triple Treat or Triple Threat... or How I Guarantee You'll Get Your Home Sold This Time! - 01/04/07 11:31 PM
Triple Treat or Triple Threat... or How I Guarantee You'll Get Your Home Sold This Time!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
 Your home has been on the market.  You had high expectations when you decided to sell.  You probably put in a lot of effort getting the place ready, long before you ever seriously sat down and interviewed Realtors (you did interview several, didn't you?)
Then you picked the player that you had the most confidence in.  I'm almost willing to bet she talked up such a good game, convincing you they could bring you ‘top dollar' for your home and not to worry … (0 comments)

Just Who is Searching for a Home Online? - 01/04/07 08:14 PM
Just Who is Searching for a home Online?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
I was looking through some of the industry news that I read and came across a fascinating study that was released last month about the demographics of the internet user who is searching for a home online.
I am guessing we have all heard the results that NAR published about the 2005 consumer where nearly 80% of all home searchers begin their search on the internet.  My guess, when the 2006 results are published that numbers will be approaching 90% or even higher.
However, what this study did was break down the … (4 comments)

Lowes Should be Part of Your Marketing Arsenal - 01/04/07 11:02 AM
Lowes Should be Part of Your Marketing Arsenalby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORI just received a very warm thank you from one of my buying clients for including them in the Lowes REALTOR® program.
Have you taken advantage of this by putting your prospects and clients on the Lowes mailing list - they get some really great coupons and opportunities directly from Lowes, with your name all over it.  This is a perfect tool to use to help solidify a relationship.  Lowes offers something for anyone looking to buy or sell a home - and best of all they do it in your … (21 comments)

What Can a Google Alert Do For You? - 01/04/07 01:26 AM
What Can a Google Alert Do For You? by John Occhi, Hemet Realtor® Mission Grove Realty
I want to assume that everyone knows what a "Google Alert" is, but in my heart of hearts I know I would be wrong.
                                                                      
Ok, for the sake of assumption, I KNOW everyone who is reading this, knows what "Google" is - the largest and most influential search engine on the internet today.
So, before I get into my story, let me give those who need it, a real quick primer on Google - because the internet giant is so much more than a search engine.  … (15 comments)

Don't Let the NAR Know...Shhhhh - 01/03/07 10:15 PM
Don't Let the NAR Know...Shhhhhby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Reading Inman News, one of my favorite industry resources, I cam across a very interesting article about the local Realtor board in Danville, Il.  It seems, according to an article in their local newspaper, "The Southern Illinoisan" that the Board of Realtor decided they would withhold their sales data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
It turns out they felt like they took a hit and are wearing a big black eye because they are the lowest priced home market  anywhere in the country, during the 2nd quarter of 2006.
Apparently, the low prices … (3 comments)

A Snapshot at the California Real Estate Market - 01/03/07 09:44 PM
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The Bubble is a Myth - 01/03/07 05:50 PM
The Bubble is a Mythby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR       
I was surfing the net this afternoon, looking for something interesting to comment on and bring to my readers when I came across a blog entry by an Arizona REALTOR who truly believes that the bubble is nothing more than a myth fueled by personal agendas.
Well, I could go on for a while here, but instead, I thought I'd just let you read the original post and form your own opinions.
You can find out about the myth inside our heads here.
Now Have a Blessed Day,John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®www,JohnOcchi.Com
… (4 comments)

A New Meaning to SHOT GUN - 01/03/07 12:42 AM
A New Meaning to SHOT GUNby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®I was just reading some industry news on a topic that both fascinates and scares me simultaneously - mortgage fraud.
The ‘newest' trend is not new at all, it's just that there are some new players in the field.  The term is called ‘shot gunning' and the players are reportedly eastern Europeans or members of the infamous "Russian Mafia".
Apparently, shot gunning is the process of simultaneously closing on a number of loans at the same time, for the same home.  Supposedly, millions are being taken at once, giving the perpetrators more than enough … (13 comments)

What Style is that Home? - 01/03/07 12:04 AM
What Style is that Home?John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
I was reading REALTOR Magazine online and found an interesting article about replacement windows, which I enjoyed since I was very successful at selling these a few years before I got my real estate license.
Well as the internet often does, one page led to another and then another.  Before I knew it, I was on a NAR sponsored page that talks about architecture styles of homes.
I spent some time here and was fascinated with the different styles.  What really fascinated me though is the lack of a coined phrase for the style of home … (1 comments)

The Year was 1906 - 01/02/07 11:47 PM
  … (0 comments)

44240 Alsace Lane, Hemet CA 92544 - SOLD in 14 DAYS - 01/02/07 11:18 PM
44240 Alsace Lane, Hemet CA 92544
Offered by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR & Keystone Real Estate Services
SOLD in 14 Days!

Offered at a range of $299,900 to $309,900
3 Bedroom 2 Bath, Living room, dining Room, Family Room plus 200sq foot builders' bonus room not included in the square footage.
The home has been freshly pained - inside and out and definitely shows the pride of ownership.
This home has the largest yard for the entire tract.  Beautifully landscaped in low maintenance rock scape and cactus - front & back.
There is a private entrance in the master suite to … (2 comments)

Is it that time of year again? - 01/02/07 08:51 PM
Is it that time of year again?By John Occhi, Hemet Realtor
Well the spring awards season is here - the one thing you can count on with the beginning of every New Year is a new season of awards to reward and promote the events and accomplishments of the prior year.  2007 is no different...
Or is it?
2007 will go down in history as the first year that real estate blogs have the opportunity to compete and receive their own award ; introducing the REBA or the Real Estate Blogging Award.
It's true.
The nominations have all been made - Yet it is not too … (1 comments)

Variable Rate Commission - Is it a Good Thing? - 01/02/07 11:35 AM
Variable Rate Commission - Is it a Good Thing?by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
Often times a listing prospective client will ask the agent in front of them, "If you sell the home yourself, will you take less of a commission?"
On the surface, that is a very legitimate question and one that you would think that the agent would jump on, to get the listing.  But, let me tell you, that this is a question you should never ask, nor do you want your agent put in that position.
Why, you ask?  Because, you (the home seller) are doing yourself a disservice.
Let me explain.  … (6 comments)

Consumer confidence...Go News or ... - 01/01/07 09:32 PM
Consumer confidence...Good News or ...by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
The Conference Board, a private research group, announced that consumer confidence for the month of December has taken an unexpected rise, due in part to an improved job market and continued optimism about the countries economy.
The revised numbers for November, 2006 settled in at 105.3 and then rose in December to 109.  This is in contrast to what economists had expected - a decline to about 101.9 from the previously reported November figure of 102.9.
Of course "The Conference Board" doesn't want us to draw any conclusions from either the adjusted November or December … (1 comments)

Figures Don't Lie...Liars Figure - 01/01/07 09:07 PM
Figures Don't Lie...Liars Figureby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
I have been working with the information that I have downloaded from the Hemet MLS, sponsored by the Hemet-San Jacinto Board of Realtors.  The data has represented all of the residential properties listed and sold in each of the 3 Hemet zip codes - 92453, 92544 & 92545.
The first few articles I wrote seemed to be a little off to me, so I have tweaked the data so that the numbers were more realistic to my thinking.  Some of what I was looking at just was not making sense to me.
So, I spent some … (0 comments)

How to Get What You Deserve... - 01/01/07 01:54 PM
How to Get What You Deserve... by Getting
Top Dollar of Your House in any Market!by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR  
This is another one of the FREE reports that I provide to my clients.  Often, this will be included in my pre-listing package, before I ever meet a potential client.   
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Often times a seller wants to squeeze every dollar that their home is worth, and that's a good thing as long as they don't want to go into the realm of make-believe values.  This ability to reap the additional hidden profits are yours...if you make the right improvements.
The difference between homes are usually measured … (0 comments)

PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5 - 01/01/07 01:19 PM
PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5BY JOHN OCCHI, HEMET REALTOR®Originally posted to this BLOG
This is the final installment of a 5 part article, educating the consumer on the process of how homes should be priced to sell, in an market.  Looking back at the First Part, we stimulated the thought process by asking some hard questions - helping determine your own level of motivation. Then in the Second Part we examined the roll a REALTOR® plays in the process and why it is so important for you to choose one you can work with - one who will … (2 comments)

HEMET MARKET REPORT: Expireds, Solds and the Asking Price - 01/01/07 03:59 AM
HEMET MARKET REPORT:  Expireds, Solds and the Asking Priceby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR
Well, I have been looking at the numbers for the past couple of years, trying to make heads and tails out of them.  Now please don't get me wrong, I am NOT a statistician any where close.  I am just a Realtor who is trying real hard to get control of my market and understand all of the nuances.
As I learn, I write and share.  Hopefully, I am sharing with my clients and future clients and not educating my competition.  This is hours and hours of work that can … (1 comments)

 
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John Occhi, ePRO, Temecula - Murrieta CA Real Estate, 951-443-6259

Murrieta, CA

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